Created by legendary programming virtuoso Silas Warner (the brilliant pioneer who later created Castle Wolfenstein and Robotron's inspiration), Muse Software released ABM (Anti-Ballistic Missile) in 1980 for the Apple II, delivering a pulse-pounding Cold War defense simulation where players used Apple paddle controllers and keyboard keys to command three missile batteries, launching defensive counter-missiles that exploded into expanding flak fireballs to destroy swarms of incoming Soviet ICBM nuclear warheads and MIRV clusters raining down on six major American East Coast cities (Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Richmond).
🎬 Deep Vision & Technical Analysis
🌆 Atmosphere & Visual Direction
Authentic vintage visual direction representing landmark era aesthetic standards.
⚡ Action Pacing & Physics Engine
Systemic interaction and engaging pacing designed for historical immersion.
🎯 Performance & Launch Trajectory
An essential milestone preserved in masterclass gaming archival standard.
ABM (standing for Anti-Ballistic Missile) is a clone of Atari, Inc.’s Missile Command arcade video game. It was programmed for the Apple II by Silas Warner and published by Muse Software in 1980, the same year as Missile Command.
Gameplay
In ABM, the player uses anti-ballistic missiles to defend six cities along the East Coast against incoming ICBMs.
Reception
Bruce Webster reviewed ABM in The Space Gamer No. 43. Webster wrote that “In the end, the question is whether or not you want to spend the money for another arcade game. If so, then I can recommend ABM to you with the above caveats.”
